Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-09-11
IELTS Writing Task 1 question
The plans below show the site of a farm in 1950 and the same site today.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
Student answer (Band 8.0)
The two maps illustrate the changes that have taken place at Beechwood Farm between 1950 and the present day.
Overall, the farm has undergone considerable development, changing from a predominantly agricultural site into a place that combines farming with tourism and renewable energy. While several original features have remained unchanged, a number of new facilities have been introduced.
In 1950, the northern part of the farm consisted mainly of a large area used for sheep grazing. Today, this area has been divided into several sections, including a campsite in the north-west and a solar panel area in the north-east. Two parking areas have also been added to accommodate visitors. In addition, the former track running through the farm has been upgraded to a road, providing improved access to the new facilities.
In the southern part of the site, several agricultural areas have remained largely unchanged. The fields containing fruit trees, soft fruits and vegetables are still present, as are the farmhouse and chicken coop. However, a farm shop has been constructed near the fruit-tree area, while a new barn has been added further east. The original barn has also been converted into holiday cottages. Meanwhile, the river along the southern and western boundaries has retained its original course.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 8.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 7.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 8.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 8.0 |
| Overall | 8.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0
The response is excellent and fully addresses all parts of the task. You have successfully identified the main features of the farm in 1950 and compared them with the present day. The overview is clear and highlights the most significant changes, such as the shift from purely agricultural use to a mix of tourism and renewable energy. You have effectively grouped the information geographically (northern and southern parts), which makes the comparison easy to follow. All key changes, including the solar panels, campsite, and the conversion of the barn, are accurately reported.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5
The response is logically organised and flows smoothly. You have used a clear structure, starting with an introduction and an overview, followed by two body paragraphs that logically divide the site into northern and southern sections. Cohesive devices such as 'In addition', 'While', 'However', and 'Meanwhile' are used effectively to link ideas and contrast the past with the present. Paragraphing is used appropriately, and the progression of information is clear throughout the text.
Lexical Resource — Band 8.0
You have demonstrated a wide and precise range of vocabulary appropriate for describing maps and changes. Phrases such as 'undergone considerable development', 'predominantly agricultural site', 'accommodate visitors', and 'retained its original course' show a high level of control. The vocabulary is natural and sophisticated, contributing to the clarity of the report. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or collocation, and the language used is well-suited to the academic nature of the task.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0
The response displays a wide range of grammatical structures with high accuracy. You have successfully used a mix of simple and complex sentences, including passive constructions like 'has been divided', 'have been introduced', and 'has been converted', which are essential for describing changes in a process or map. Punctuation is accurate, and there are no grammatical errors that impede communication. The control over tense usage, particularly the present perfect for describing changes over time, is excellent.
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